Coleus is an aromatic perennial of the mint family with tube-like roots and an erect stem. It grows in tropical regions of Asia such as Nepal, India, and Thailand. Coleus root is used as medicine and contains a chemical called forskolin. Forskolin was isolated in the 1970s and quickly shot to fame for its medicinal properties, including, lowering high blood pressure, relaxing smooth muscle, increasing the release of hormones from the thyroid gland, stimulating digestive secretions, and reducing pressure within the eye. Further research into forskolin revealed that it is a powerful medicine used to treat heart failure, glaucoma, and bronchial asthma.
Habitat & Cultivation
Coleus is Native to India found growing on the dry plains or at the foothill of the Himalayas. Coleus also grows in tropical or warm temperate areas, such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. In the 19th century, Coleus was well-known as an ornamental. Today, it is cultivated on a large scale in India for its use in pickles. Coleus is propagated by stem cuttings or root division is spring or summer. Both root and leaves are harvested in autumn.
Uses
Traditional uses Traditional in India, Coleus is used to treat a range of digestive problems: relieve gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort
Circulatory Remedy used as a tonic to treat congestive heart failure and poor coronary blood flow; Coleus also improves circulation to the brain
Respiratory Problems antispasmodic action in Coleus makes it valuable in treating respiratory complaints such as asthma and bronchitis
Glaucoma Coleus relieves excess pressure in the eye
Weight Loss Though no evidence to support this claim, it is thought that it will promote weight loss because Coleus stimulates cellular metabolism
Parts used
Leaves contain valuable medicinal properties
Root unearthed in autumn when the active constituents are most concentrated
Key Actions
Lowers blood pressure
Antispasmodic
Dilates the bronchioles (small airways of the lungs)
Dilates blood vessels
Heart Tonic
Constituents
Volatile Oil
Diterpenes
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 84.
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